Panera Bread(R) Knows You Have to Break a Few Eggs to Make a Great Breakfast Sandwich

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fulfilling customer demand for a hot portable breakfast with a distinct Panera touch, the company today introduced a new grilled breakfast sandwich at participating bakery-cafes nationwide. True to Panera's tradition, the company's team of culinary experts chose only exceptional quality ingredients -- thin-crusted, moist Ciabatta; all-natural, pasteurized, freshly-cracked eggs; Vermont white cheddar cheese; and, Applewood-smoked bacon or all-natural sausage. The made-to-order sandwich is a delicious culinary combination that can easily be taken on-the-go or savored over a leisurely breakfast in the bakery-cafe.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080401/AQTU147)

"At Panera Bread we believe customers deserve a breakfast that is made by bakers, not microwaves -- so we've developed a hand-crafted, made-to-order grilled breakfast sandwich that literally breaks the mold," said Panera Bread CEO and chairman Ron Shaich. "We don't think your morning routine should have to taste routine."

The grilled breakfast sandwich perfectly complements Panera's other breakfast offerings and gives customers yet another way to start their day right. Never losing sight that high-quality artisan breads are the foundation of a great meal, Panera's expert bakers worked over a year to develop the ideal breakfast sandwich.

The three varieties of grilled breakfast sandwiches are: -- Egg and Cheese Grilled Breakfast Sandwich: All-natural egg with Vermont white cheddar cheese grilled on freshly baked Ciabatta -- Bacon, Egg and Cheese Grilled Breakfast Sandwich: All-natural egg with Vermont white cheddar cheese and Applewood-smoked bacon grilled on freshly baked Ciabatta -- Sausage, Egg and Cheese Grilled Breakfast Sandwich: All-natural egg with Vermont white cheddar cheese and all-natural sausage grilled on freshly baked Ciabatta

"Starting with a base of the tender crumb of Ciabatta, crafted daily from fresh dough at each bakery-cafe, we built the grilled breakfast sandwich from the bread up," said Panera Bread Vice President of Food Dan Kish, a former Associate Dean of the Culinary Institute of America.

About Panera Bread

Panera Bread owns and franchises 1,167 bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread(R) and Saint Louis Bread Co.(R) names as of December 25, 2007. With its identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with 0 grams added trans fat, Panera's bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites, complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access provided through a managed WiFi network. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on the Company's website, http://www.panerabread.com.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080401/AQTU147
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Panera Bread

CONTACT: Farah Adhi of Emanate PR, +1-312-228-6839,
Farah.Adhi@emanatepr.com , for Panera Bread; or Linn Parrish of Panera
Bread, +1-314-256-5489, Linn.Parrish@panerabread.com

Web site: http://www.panerabread.com/